Improve Return of Serve

The return of serve is often overlooked by beginner to intermediate players because they see it as just another forehand or backhand. This is the furthest thing from the truth, though. Without a solid return of serve you are going to give away countless points right off the first shot. When you consider that seventy percent of points in tennis end with an error, there is nothing worse than making that error on the very first shot of the point before you’ve even given your opponent a chance to make an error. However, your goal shouldn’t end with just getting the ball back in play. You should strive to hit the ball with some authority when possible.

The forehand return is the same as a regular forehand except that the backswing is smaller with a quicker loop. The first step, as with any return, is to do a split step. Timing this step is very important. The key is to be in the air and about to land in your split step at the moment that your opponent makes contact with the tennis ball. The next step is to move to the ball diagonally in order to cut off the angle of the serve. This also takes time away from your opponent as it will lead to the ball coming back quicker. Next, make sure to load your weight on your outside foot and turn your shoulders.

In terms of contact point, make sure that the ball stays out in front of you so you can be aggressive. The swing path will be similar to a regular forehand, so you still want to swing from low to high. With regard to follow-through, be sure to extend through the shot and keep you weight moving forward. This will help you hit a penetrating shot that naturally transitions you into an offensive position. The following image of Agassi hitting his forehand return highlights the key body positions and movements involved in the shot.